George K.
We like beef cuts and we cannot lie, and we’re sure you do, too! Nothing says summer quite like a sizzling BBQ and a refreshing glass of iced tea or an ice-cold beer. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned cook who knows their way around the grill or a beginner; there are some simple tips anyone can follow to host a great BBQ party no matter their budget. So, without further ado, here’s how you can throw a good BBQ party at home.
Ask Your Guests to Bring the Side Dishes
One of the best ways to ensure your BBQ party is a success is to not overwhelm yourself with tasks. By turning your BBQ into a potluck, each of your guests can bring their preferred side dishes while you handle the meat. This will not only give you less to do, but you can rest assured that everyone will get to enjoy food that they like.
Mix it up
To make sure your guests have a good time, serve a variety of different foods that appeal to everyone’s taste buds, from steaks and burgers to chicken and hot dogs. You don’t have to break the bank by splurging on expensive beef cuts; cheaper cuts will do the trick if you know how to cook them right. If you don’t consider yourself to be an expert grill cook, that shouldn’t keep you from throwing a great BBQ party. You can find helpful beginner grilling tips online to ensure your meats are succulent and your guests are impressed. With the right guide, you’ll have all the tips and tricks you need to make grilling fun and easy.
Set up Early
A lack of preparation can quickly turn your fun BBQ party into a tedious chore. Don’t overwhelm yourself by not giving yourself enough time to set up. Prepare the food for cooking before your guests arrive by marinating the meat either the night before or in the morning, and make sure to decorate your backyard or garden well in advance. Give yourself a week to prepare to avoid last-minute runs to the supermarket. Moreover, make sure you have enough charcoal for grilling ahead of time.
Add Extra Lighting
Serving delicious food is only one aspect of a good BBQ party; the atmosphere also plays a huge role in the success of your gathering. Place various lights such as fairy lights and candles to set a soothing ambiance once the sun sets. You can opt for flameless candles to avoid fire hazards.
Distance the Main Seating Area from the Grill
A pro tip from the experts is to set up the main seating area away from the grill since you won’t start cooking until the guests arrive. Having everyone sitting so close to you can make you a little antsy; after all, you never want to have too many cooks in the kitchen. By distancing the grill from the crowd, you’ll be able to cook in peace whilst remaining a part of the gathering.
Include Various Seating Arrangements
Aside from the main seating area where you have the large dining table, couches, and chairs, you can also include other types of seating arrangements around the garden to keep everyone comfortable. For instance, you can include bean bags and swing sets in different areas for when some people begin to scatter. This will make your guests feel more comfortable if they aren’t familiar with all the other invitees and prefer to hang out with the people they know. Moreover, your guests will love laying on a bean bag with a nice cold beverage after a scrumptious meal.
Prepare a Spread oft Snacks and Beverages
You’ve got your meats and your side dishes covered, but to really spruce up your BBQ, you’ve got to treat it like any other party. Prepare a nice spread of simple snacks and finger foods for people to munch on while chatting and have the drinks and cups available so everyone can help themselves.
Provide Entertainment
No party is complete without some entertainment, so you need to get your BBQ playlist ready before the guests arrive. Music is what sets the tone of your event, so take the time to curate the perfect BBQ playlist. Furthermore, having a few fun board games on hand is a great way to entertain your guests and break the ice among strangers. Moreover, if children are invited, providing them with some games will keep them busy.
As you can see, hosting your very own BBQ at home is quite easy with the right tips and tricks. With a little forward planning and the help of a cooking guide, you’ll serve the best food that is guaranteed to knock your guests’ socks off! Refer back to this handy guide to ensure your gathering is a success. With our suggestions, you should now be ready to raise the steaks and throw a BBQ party no one will ever forget!
